Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I'm happy to say that my Vivian cardigan is progressing nicely since I frogged it and restarted it last month. I finished the body section the other day and am currently half way up the left arm.

Though this isn't a top-down sweater (which are my favorite to knit, Barbara Walker be praised), the seamless design does lend itself to trying the sweater on during construction. I'm knitting one size down because my gauge is slightly off - a standard trick of mine - but it seems to be coming out just right. My Vivian is definitely going to be a fitted cardigan, but hopefully that means a bulky cardigan that is actually flattering to the figure. Who knew that was actually possible?

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I've got a sweet little pattern for you all today! Made with leftover sock yarn, this phone cozy is a quick and cute knit. The honeycomb pattern is achieved through slipped stitches, which makes it much simpler to knit than traditional fair isle. I made mine to fit my new iPhone, but the pattern can easily be adjusted to fit a different phone, a camera, or even a gift card. I had a lot of fun knitting this up and I hope you do too!

bHIVE

Finished Measurements: 2.75 inches wide x 4.75 inches tall.

Gauge: 32 st/44 rows = 4 inches in stockinette.

Needles: Set of 4 US#2/2.75mm dpns or comparable circular needle for magic loop.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Every fall since I started graduate school, I have made applesauce. Perhaps it's my way of reliving the happy days of my childhood, when we would go apple picking and grandma would make applesauce in a big pot on the stove. I always loved eating it warm, in big spoonfuls right out of the pot. Interestingly, I have no memories of eating this applesauce cold and I suspect that very little actually made it into the fridge at the end of the day.

It wasn't until this year, however, that I discovered the joy that is rhubarb sauce. Sweet and tart, it's even easier to make than applesauce and just as delicious. If I don't watch myself, I will eat an entire pint in a single sitting, it's that good.

I'm not entirely sure when I had the brilliant idea to combine the two sauces, but I suspect it corresponded to finding two Ziploc bags full of rhubarb in the back of the freezer this week. With apple season in full swing, I knew I had to try this right away. The base recipe is the one I use to make applesauce each year, swapping half of the apples for rhubarb and omitting all of the spices except cinnamon. However, the most important thing in making apple, rhubarb, or apple-rhubarb sauce is to taste and adjust as you go. That way, you are sure to get the balance right for your type of apples and your particular flavor preference. Besides, it makes me really happy to eat spoonfuls of warm sauce straight from the pot.

Put apples and rhubarb in a large pot and fill with water so that half of the fruit is submerged. Heat to boiling, then reduce to a simmer. Add sugar and lemon juice. Cook until apples and rhubarb become soft and fall apart. Add cinnamon. Cook until desired consistency (if sauce becomes too thick before the fruit falls apart, add a little more water). Enjoy a bowl of warm sauce and stick the rest in the fridge, where it should keep for 1-2 weeks.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

I'm taking a break from the knitting this week to share some handmade Etsy awesomeness with you. Enjoy!

STUFF I'VE SCORED ON ETSY:

Pin toppers from Pinks & NeedlesThis shop is only open on Mondays at the moment, but it's totally worth checking out for her adorable pin toppers. Mushroom-themed tea party, anyone?

Sock yarn from Wooly Booger YarnsI bought this Merino/Bamboo/Nylon blend in the colorway Rumpelstiltskin and I have big plans for this yarn!

Mineral makeup samples from The All Natural FaceI'm giving mineral makeup a try, and thus far I really like it. This shop offers a nice variety of samples at a reasonable price so you can find the best colors for you without breaking the bank.